Branco Vlacich, part of a team at the Virginia Department of Transportation that 's responsible for clearing 17,679 lane miles in the D.C. region, displayed the National Weather Service forecast he received for the upcoming season: "equal chances for above-,near-, or below-normal temperatures and precipitation," it said.
This is what drives the plow planners nuts. They have to be ready for anything, while spending taxpayer money prudently. Vlacich, speaking this morning to a group of local officials and their representatives who wanted to be briefed on winter preparations, said that further review with forecasters suggested we'll see fewer big snows but more ice storms. Here's what else will be different this winter.

Temperatures will stay in the 90s through Sunday, the Capital Weather Gang says. AAA Mid-Atlantic reported a spike in roadside assistance calls. MARC issued an apology to the passengers stranded in the hot cars of Train 538 Monday evening. Metro riders are complaining about the heat aboard the trains and in stations. Here are some survival tips.